Iona Institute: New referendum on abortion 'extremely unlikely'

The head of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Sean Brady, is coming under fire after announcing plans to lobby TDs on the issue of abortion.

An expert group is due to make a recommendation on how to legislate for the so-called 'X case' to the Government next month.

It is after a Supreme Court judge ruled in 1998 that a woman should have the right to access an abortion in Ireland, if there is a "real and substantial risk to her life".

Cardinal Brady has said the Catholic Church believes a new referendum on the issue will have to be held, regardless of the findings of the expert group.

David Quinn, director of the Iona Institute, has said it is not realistic to expect a new referendum on abortion, which was narrowly defeated in 2002.

Mr Quinnn said: "Are we going to have a repeat of 2002? It is extremely unlikely. What he is saying is, from his own point of view, logically correct. I mean the only way to properly rescind the 'X Case' decision is by having a referendum.

"The alternative is to some way legislate for the 'X Case' which would be enormously controversial, but it is also controversial not to do it, and then the third alternative is to continue the present limbo."

However, Fine Gael TD for Mayo, John O'Mahony, has said all sides of the argument should be considered.

Mr O'Mahony said: "I think there are people of all parties on all sides of the opinion and I think it is important that they are allowed to have their opinions on that.

"I don't think that this thing of dividing Labour and Fine Gael on this is right, this has to be played out. There are many people of all opinions, on all sides of the debate in all parties."